Advertisement

Open water swimmers fight to keep pollution out of the River Avon 

10:58
Download Audio
Resume
Mist rises on the River Avon below trees that are begining to change colour (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Mist rises on the River Avon below trees that are begining to change colour (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

The River Avon runs through Bristol, England, where there's a dedicated community of open water swimmers who swim in the river. Some do it all year long.

Sewer overflows run into the river, especially after rainstorms, polluting the water. A group of swimmers is campaigning for the Avon to get bathing status by the British government, which would mean the water would be regularly tested for pollutants and dumping to ensure they're kept clean enough to be safe for swimmers.

Charlotte Sawyer tells the story of the swimmers and activists fighting to protect the river in the documentary "Rave on for the Avon." Here & Now's Scott Tong speaks with Sawyer and Megan Ruth-Trump, one of the swimmers and activists in the film.

This segment aired on March 28, 2025.

Advertisement

More from Here & Now

Advertisement

Listen Live
Close